Netball Injuries

Netball is the most popular team based sport in Australia. Netball has been described as a game reliant on rapid acceleration to "break free" from an opponent, sudden and rapid changes in direction in combination with leaps to receive a pass, intercept a ball or rebound after attempting a goal (Steele and Milburn 1987).

Netball places many demands on the technical and physical skills of the player and, as a result, injuries can and do occur.

How Frequent is Netball Injury?

• In Australia, netball represents 7% of adult and 4% of child sports related injuries presenting to hospital emergency departments.
• In Australia, netball ranks 7th for adults and 8th for children in terms of sport related injuries presenting to hospital emergency departments.
• In Victoria, the severity of approximately 4% of adult and 3% of child netball injuries, presenting to emergency departments, warrants hospital admission.

In Australia, 95% of adult and 85% of child netball injuries occur during organised competition and practice.

What are the Common Causes and Types of Netball Injuries?

• Adult netball players most often sustain injuries to the ankles, knees and hands.
• Child injury is most often to the hands and/or particularly to the fingers, followed by the ankle.
• Knee injuries are generally the most severe and costly injuries associated with netball.
• Overall, netball injuries are mostly sprains and strains with the exception of finger injuries that tend to be fractures or dislocations.
• Falls, incorrect landing, over-exertion, overuse, collisions with other players and being struck by the ball are common causes of injury.

Safety Tips for Netball

Good Preparation

• Undertake appropriate fitness programs to develop strength, co-ordination and flexibility, especially of muscles around the ankles and feet.
• Conduct fitness testing prior to competition to ensure readiness to play.
• Seek pre-participation screening by a professional (eg sports physiotherapist) to identify potential musculo-skeletal problems that may contribute to overuse injury.
• Warm up and stretch adequately before competition and training to ensure the body is prepared for play.
• Cool down after training or playing.

Good Technique Help Prevent Injury

• Incorporate training focusing on enhancing body balance, control on landing, moving forwards and catching passes.
• Coaches should undergo regulareducation updates to ensure they have the latest information about correct playing techniques.

Safe Equipment

• Ensure goal posts are firmly fixed to the ground with no parts of the post protruding onto the court surface posing a trip hazard.
• Ensure goal posts are padded.
• Check and maintain netball surfaces regularly to eliminate hazards (e.g. loose gravel)
• Avoid playing netball on slippery surfaces.
• Choose footwear carefully, preferably with professional advice from your Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.

If an Injury Occurs

• Ensure players seek prompt attention from a qualified first aid provider or health practitioner.
• Ensure all injured netball players receive adequate treatment and full rehabilitation before they resume play.

Common Netball Injuries in Detail

Common Treatments for Netball Injuries

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